Highlights: Canada offers affordable pathway for STEM professionals amid U.S. fee surge
- The U.S. has imposed a $100,000 H-1B petition fee, while Canada’s LMIA fee remains just CAD $1,000.
- With over 1 million jobs open in 2025, Canada is actively seeking talent in IT, healthcare, and engineering.
- Work permits are processed in as little as 3 weeks from the U.S. and 8 weeks from India, ensuring faster entry.
- More than 100 immigration pathways, including Express Entry and PNPs, provide long-term stability through PR.
- Families benefit too, with spouses eligible for open work permits and dependents included in PR applications.
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From work permits to PR: Canada’s roadmap for professionals
As the U.S. tightens access with a steep $100,000 H-1B petition fee, Canada is moving in the opposite direction—welcoming global talent with faster and more affordable pathways. Skilled workers can choose between temporary work permits or direct permanent residency (PR), depending on their career goals.
Key Canadian Pathways for Professionals:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): Requires a Canadian job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The LMIA fee is CAD $1,000, with work permits processed in 8 weeks from India and as quickly as 3 weeks from the U.S.
- Intra-Company Transfer (ICT): Enables employees of multinational corporations to relocate to Canadian offices in executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge roles, provided they have at least one year of prior service.
- Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP): Your spouse/partner can also work in Canada.
- Canada Open Work Permit for H-1B Visa Holders: A special pathway designed for U.S.-based H-1B visa holders, allowing them to obtain open work authorization in Canada without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This offers flexibility and a smoother transition for skilled professionals already working in North America.
- Express Entry (PR System): Canada’s flagship program for skilled workers, ranking candidates on age, education, work experience, and language ability. Canadian work experience offers a significant advantage in securing an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): With more than 80 streams across provinces, options are tailored to local labour needs. Ontario, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan remain among the most popular choices.
By offering over 100 immigration pathways, Canada ensures that skilled workers have flexible options to enter, settle, and transition smoothly from temporary status to permanent residency. For STEM professionals, this presents a more predictable and long-term alternative to the U.S.
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Why Canada is winning over Indian families after H-1B fee hike
Beyond affordability and faster processing, Canada stands out for the security and opportunities it provides to families. Skilled professionals moving to Canada can ensure not only their own career growth but also long-term stability for their loved ones.
Why Canada is the Smarter Choice for Indians:
- Low Fees and Faster Processing: Canada’s work permit and PR application fees are significantly lower than the new H-1B costs, and processing is quicker, making it a more affordable and accessible option for skilled workers.
| Fee Type | Canada | United States (H-1B) |
| Work Permit Application | CAD $155 (~USD $115) | Included in H-1B petition |
| Employer LMIA Application | CAD $1,000 (~USD $740) (if required) | Included in H-1B petition |
| H-1B Petition Fee | — | USD $100,000 |
- Family Benefits: Spouses can obtain open work permits, and children receive free public education. Families included in PR applications enjoy long-term stability.
- Stable Immigration System: Canada operates a transparent, points-based system with predictable outcomes, offering far less uncertainty than the lottery-based U.S. H-1B program.
- Healthcare and Education: Canada PR holders enjoy free public healthcare and access to subsidized education for children.
- Financial Security: Applicants must show proof of funds, but once approved, they gain access to Canada’s strong social support systems.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Unlike temporary visas in the U.S., Canada provides a clear route to PR, allowing professionals and their families to live, work, and settle in the country indefinitely.
- PR to Citizenship: Permanent residents can apply for Canadian citizenship after just 3 years of living in the country
- Safe and Welcoming Society: Ranked among the world’s happiest and safest countries, Canada continues to attract global STEM talent.
For many skilled Indians, these benefits make Canada not just a temporary career stop but a permanent home. As the U.S. raises financial barriers, Canada is opening doors—positioning itself as the top destination for STEM professionals seeking a brighter future abroad. With the H-1B fee skyrocketing to $100,000, Canada is the smarter North American choice — affordable, family-friendly, and with a clear path to permanent residency.
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